Soap scum scraper

Abstract

A soap scum scraper for removing soap scum from the surfaces of showers, sinks, and around faucets. The soap scum scraper includes an elongated handle suitable for being gripped by a user and a blade having a section of an edge connected to the handle to enable a user to manipulate the blade, the blade also having at least one edge contoured for scraping scum from a selected surface. The blade in the preferred embodiment includes a perimeter having one substantially linear edge section, one convex edge section, and a concave edge section terminating in a point with each of said edges being interconnecting to adjacent edges. The multiple geometries of the blade edges allow the user to scrape scum from flat surfaces and tight spots from around the control knobs of a water faucet, cracks and corners.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable

[0002] STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0003] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] 1. Field of Invention

[0005] This invention relates to a handheld scraping device, and more particularly, a device having a blade with a plurality of selectively shaped edges which can be gripped by a handle for scraping scum especially from showers, tubs, sinks or the like.

[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0007] Heretofore handheld scraping devices have been generally known in the art, and known devices are usually configured for scraping for a particular application. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,050 discloses a scraping device adapted to cut and remove soft material such as the pulp of a pumpkin to adequately prepare the pumpkin for carving. U.S. Pat. No. D469,587 disclosed a sweat scraper and shredder for horses. Another example of a handheld scraper is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,495,670 which disclosed a handheld scraper in the form of a plate-like structure for removing solid and semi-solid objects from smooth surfaces. The device includes multiple straight working edges which is particularly suitable for scraping a windshield as shown in FIG. 4 of the mentioned patent. Other examples of known prior art suitable for particular scraping applications, are shown in the following U.S. Pat. No. 2,215,749 (Hog and Fish Scraper); U.S. Pat. No. 4,017,970 (Tile and Tub Scraper having a razor blade carried therein); U.S. Pat. No. 4,121,316 (Handheld Scraper particularly suitable for vehicle windows and windshields); and U.S. Pat. No. 4,141,111 (Ice Scraper).

[0008] Further examples of known prior art generally related to scraping devices are shown in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,202,093; 4,612,707; 4,637,090; 5,263,222; 5,337,442; 5,418,998; 5,586,357; 5,809,604; 6,000,091; 6,158,493; 6,163,919; 6,311,362; D467,395; 6,516,490; 6,519,801; and D470,985.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In according with various features of the present invention, a soap scum scraper for removing soap scum from the surfaces of showers, sinks, tubs, around faucets and the like is provided. It will be recognized that soap scum is a filmy residue that collects on showers, tubs and sinks from the use of soaps, cleaners and shampoos. The scraper includes an elongated handle which is mounted along one edge of a blade. The handle is designed to be gripped by the user's hand to manipulate the blade for scraping purposes. In the preferred embodiment, the blade includes a perimeter having multiple edged sections particularly suitable for scraping soap scum. To this end, in the preferred embodiment, one of the edges is preferably linear or substantially, one of the edges is convex, and yet another edge is concave terminating in a point. The adjacent edges are interconnected and provide geometric configurations particularly suitable for soap scum scraping on flat surfaces and around faucets or other tight areas and in corners.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The above-mentioned features of the invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description read together with the drawings in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the soap scum scraper constructed in accordance with various features of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the soap scum scraper shown in FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the soap scum scraper shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0014] FIGS. 4 and 5 depict top and bottom elevation views, respectively, of the soap scum scraper of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 6 depicts the soap scum scraper used against a flat or substantially flat surface for removing soap scum therefrom.

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates the use of the soap scum scraper of FIG. 1 as it is applied to cleaning the soap scum and other debris from around the base of a faucet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Referring now to the Figures, a soap scum scraper constructed in accordance with various features of the present invention is illustrated at 10 in FIG. 1. This soap scum scraper includes a substantially planer blade 12 having a width in the, preferred embodiment between about 31/2 and 5 inches. The blade is preferably fabricated from a slightly pliable yet durable plastic or nylon. It will be noted that this blade 12 includes a substantially linear edge 14 that is particularly suitable for scraping a flat planer surface such as the wall 16 of a shower as is shown in FIG. 6. The device is particularly suitable for use on fiberglass or porcelain enamel showers. The edge 14 terminates at one end 18 in an adjacent and interconnected convex edge 20. The rounded surface of the convex edge 20 is particularly suitable for scraping soap scum or other debris from curved areas having a geometry compatible with this convex edge.

[0018] At the opposite end 22 of the straight edge 14, the blade defines a concave edge 24 that terminates in a point 26 at the juncture between the end 22 of the edge 14 and the end 28 of the concave edge 24. This point 26 together with the curved portion of the concave edge 24 facilitates removing soap scum and/or other debris from around the base of a faucet control knob such as the faucet control knob 30 shown in FIG. 7.

[0019] The remaining edge 32 of the blade 12 is joined at one end 34 with the convex edge 20 as is shown in FIG. 1. At its opposite end 36, edge 32 is joined with the concave edge 24, also shown in FIG. 1.

[0020] An elongated handle 40 is connected to the perimeter of the blade 12 proximate the edge 32 as is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. This handle 40 is preferably molded plastic handle that can be adhesively bonded to the blade 12 or integrally formed therewith as is desired or necessary. The handle is suitable for being gripped by a user to facilitate manipulation of the scraper such that it can be readily applied along its selective edge to the working surface from which scum is desired to be scraped. For example, as mentioned above, the straight edge 14 of the scraper blade 12 is applied to a substantially flat surface such as the wall 16 of a shower as shown in FIG. 6 by a user gripping the handle 40. Similarly, the user can readily manipulate the scraper as is shown in FIG. 7 such that the point 26 of the blade 12 can be readily applied to a tighter spot or area such the base of a faucet control knob for removing scum therefrom.

[0021] In one embodiment, the opposite ends of the handle 40 are beveled as is shown at 44 and 46 in FIGS. 4 and 5 in the embodiment shown, the handle 40 is substantially co-extensive with the length of the edge 32 to which the handle is joined.

[0022] In application, a user will grip the soap scum scraper by the handle 40 and select the edge which is to be applied to the working surface such as the wall of a shower or the area around the faucet or faucet control knob of a sink. The scraper will then be manipulated such that the appropriate edge or point can be applied to the working surface for removing the soap scum. After use, the scraper can be cleaned by hand or dishwasher.

[0023] While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described.

[0024] Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept. For example, the convex length of the edge 20, the concave length of the edge 24, and straight length of the edge 14 of the blade 12 are shown to extend along the entire length of the respective edges. The lengths of these portions of the edges could be foreshortened such that each edge could include distinct geometries. More specifically, the edge 14 could include a length which is straight and a length which is of a different geometry such as convex, concave or pointed.

Claims

Having thus described the aforementioned invention, we claim:

1. A soap scum scraper for removing soap scum from the surfaces of showers, sinks, around faucets and the like including: an elongated handle; and a blade having a section connecting to the handle enabling a user to manipulate the blade and at least one edge contoured for scraping scum from a selected surface.

2. The soap scum scraper of claim 1 including an elongated handle carried by said blade to enable a user to grip a handle across the user's palm.

3. The soap scum scraper of claim 1 wherein the blade defines an edge opposite the scraping edge for receiving the handle there along.

4. The soap scum scraper of claim 1 wherein the blade includes at least one edge contoured to define a point for removing scum from small areas of scum build-up.

5. The soap scum scraper of claim 1 wherein said blade includes a perimeter having one substantially linear edge, one convex edge and a concave-edge terminating in a point each of said edges being interconnecting to adjacent edges.

6. A soap scum scraper for removing soap scum from the surfaces of showers, sinks, around faucets and the like including: an elongated handle suitable for being gripped by a user; and a blade having an edge connected to the handle along its length, said blade further including a substantially linear edge opposite the blade edge joined with the handle, one convex edge and one concave edge extending from the substantially linear edge at its opposite end to the edge joined with the handle, said concave edge terminating in a point defined by the area of the blade between the concave edge and the linear edge to facilitate removing scum from corners or other tight areas.